Are you aware that you can transform a t-shirt into a mini skirt with side slit detail? Adding a slight opening along one side of the hemline of the skin tight silhouette makes a huge difference from a regular short skirt.
Knit is great fabrication that I enjoy using because you don’t need a zipper or button closure to get in and out of the garment. In fact, t-shirt upcycle ideas are plentiful and my DIY wardrobe is filled with fun new projects!
Learn various ways to execute upcycled clothing with flattering details to improve your overall sewing skills! So, if you have plain t-shirt in any color that is no longer in good use, recycle old t-shirts into new clothes and plan this project to give the tee a second life!
Upcycle a side slit mini skirt from a t-shirt by following the step-by-step tutorial. The guide features a unique design that is an easy beginner level sewing project with detailed techniques described from A to Z.
I’ve put together step-by-step video tutorial and detailed instructions for you to execute this cute side slit mini skirt. Pair it with a crop top from t-shirt for a cute DIY outfit.
You will love this side slit mini skirt from t-shirt because…
- Beginner level sewing project to learn basic knit stitching
- Practice overlock technique to finish the hemline.
- Learn how to sew straight lines without stretching the seams.
- Use casing to easily sew the elastic band.
- No sewing pattern required for this side slit skirt.
- Create single or double slit on the each side of the princess seams.
For this tutorial, I used 100% knit jersey material because it stretches in all four directions. Also, the medium weight material makes it so that you don’t need worry about the fabric being too sheer and needing to add a lining.
If you have a nice stretchy tee that you no longer interested in wearing as a top, it’s perfect to transform into a body hugging mini skirt. There are different styles of short skirts that you can easily make from a plain old tee.
Have fun sewing them and duplicate this tutorial in woven and any other fabrics as well.
How to make side slit mini skirt from t-shirt?
Plan your sewing project by washing and air drying the tee before you begin to deconstruct the top and reattach the pieces together.
After doing so, you will need to know your waist and hip measurements. If you don’t know yet, start to take body measurements for clothing so you can continue to sew along with me and have a finished garment that fits you the right way.
This is a beginner sewing project that only requires a tools, so grab your basic sewing kit and a t-shirt. Now you look like you are set to go!
DIY Side Slit Mini Skirt Materials:
- T-Shirt
- ¾” Elastic Band
- Sewing Machine
- Fabric Chalk
- Measuring Tape
- Ruler
- Straight Pins
- Scissors
To make a side slit mini skirt from t-shirt, fold the tee in half lengthwise, measure 16” up from the hemline and cut a straight line across.
Measure the hips and waistline to make the front and back of the skirt.
Attach the front to the back of the side slit skirt, with the right sides facing together.
Draw a 3” vertical line from the hem to mark the placement for the side slit.
Use a piece of facing bonded to interfacing to strengthen the side slit.
Join the side slit facing to the bottom of the mini skirt.
Cut open the side slit, then topstitch around the edges.
Use a 28” long piece of ¾” elastic band to make a waistband for the mini skirt.
Zigzag stitch to attach the waistband to the waistline and finish this side slit mini skirt from a t-shirt.
DIY Side Slit Mini Skirt Sewing Tips:
Sewing knit fabric seems intimidating because it is flimsy, especially compared to the rigidity of woven material. However, when you know what to do with old t-shirts the creative opportunities are abundant.
I lay out specific sewing tips and hacks in this tutorial so you can complete this side slit mini skirt the right way. Read through the list below so you can avoid any difficulties along the way:
- Needle & Thread: Avoid using the universal needle while sewing knit fabric because there is a risk of holes and skipped stitches. Instead, choose a ballpoint or stretch needle when sewing knits. When it comes to choosing the right thread, try to match the thread with the fabric content you are using.
- Stitches: All you need is a stitch that stretches such as zigzag stitch. Test the stitch on a piece of scrap fabric to decide what stitches work best for the specific fabrication.
- Sewing Foot: If you find the knit fabric gets eaten by the feed dog, it’s good practice to switch to a walking foot in order to avoid any damage.
- Elastic Band: When attaching a ¾” width elastic band to the skirt part, I recommend using zigzag stitch. This stitch is a strong and stretchy stitch which makes it easier to sew elastic.
- Seams: Narrow zigzag stitch is great place to begin, but it truly depends on how stretchy the material. You may need to adjust the stitch length and stitch width depending on the properties of the fabrication to sew seams.
For super stretchy fabric, go with 1-1.5mm stitch length, which is between 17-25 stitches per inch with 2-3 zigzags per segment.
For regular stretchy fabrics, select 2-2.5mm, which is between 13-17 stitches per inch with 0.5-1 zigzags per segment.
More cute mini skirt upcycle projects from an old t-shirt:
How To Make Side Slit Mini Skirt
Discover fun ways to transform a t-shirt into a side slit mini skirt. From t-shirt cutting to measuring and sewing, the steps are easy for you to follow. Learn basic sewing stitches and new skills to accomplish adorable garments you will be excited to proudly wear.
Materials
- T-Shirt
- ¾” Elastic Band
Tools
- Sewing Machine
- Fabric Chalk
- Measuring Tape
- Ruler
- Straight Pins
- Scissors
Instructions
- For this side slit mini skirt from t-shirt tutorial, start by folding the tee in half lengthwise.
Mark 16” up from the hemline.
Draw a straight line across and cut.
- To make the mini skirt piece, measure the hips and waistline.
To measure the waistline, measure 7½” from the folded line.
To measure the hips, measure 6½” down from the waistline.
Then, measure 8½” from the folded line.
Draw a line across and cut.
- To attach the front to the back of the side slit skirt, lay the pieces on top of each other with the right sides facing together.
Pin to secure and sew along the side seams.
- To mark the placement for the side slit, fold the mini skirt in half.
Measure the halfway point.
Draw a 3” vertical line from the hem.
- To make facing for the side slit, cut a piece of fabric that is 2” x 4½”.
Draw a 3” vertical line in the center of the facing.
Cut a piece of interfacing to match the facing.
Use an iron to bond the interfacing to the side slit facing.
- To make the side slit on the mini skirt, lay the facing on top of the placement marker.
Pin to secure and stitch to join the pieces together.
Cut along the line to make the side slit.
Then, topstitch around the side slit opening.
- To make a waistband for the mini skirt, measure a piece of ¾” elastic band that is 28” long.
Pin the elastic band to the top opening and zigzag stitch to finish this side slit mini skirt from a t-shirt.
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